Sanders, Mary Neice
On October 29, 2023, our beloved Mary Kathleen Neice Sanders, a beacon of faith and love, was called home to her heavenly Father. Born on September 27, 1937, in the serene landscapes of Giles County, Virginia, Mary was a cherished daughter of the late Luther Neice and Bessie Brumfield Neice. Her journey on earth, a testament of grace and resilience, came to a peaceful end in the same county where it all began.
Mary’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, faith, and service. She was a dedicated worker at Celanese, where she retired after years of diligent service in production. Her work ethic was admirable, a testament to her steadfast spirit and commitment to duty.
Yet, it was her radiant love for her family that truly defined her. She was a devoted mother to Beverly Hilton and her husband Roger of Pembroke, Debra Jennelle and her husband Tim of Narrows, VA, and Doris Landis and her husband Greg of Roanoke. She showered her grandchildren, Rod Hilton (who she called “my boy”), Brandon Hilton, Resheria Campbell, Josh Jennelle, and Chad Martin with boundless affection. Her great-grandchildren, Savanah Hilton, Sierra Hilton, Payton Campbell, Hayley Lackey, Bryce Campbell, Tyler Jennelle, Dylan Jennelle, Emily Jennelle, Gatlin Martin, and Branson Martin; and great-great granddaughter, Nevaeh Hilton, were the apples of her eye, each one adding a unique stitch to the fabric of her life.
Mary’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her brother, Jimmy Neice and his wife, Patricia of Rich Creek, Virginia, and her sister, Coletta Mabry and her husband Ray of Pilot, Virginia. She was a cornerstone of her family, her love and wisdom guiding them like a lighthouse through life’s tempestuous seas.
A woman of profound faith, Mary found solace and strength in her church; Pearisburg Church of God; and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was the bedrock of her existence, a shining light that guided her through life’s darkest valleys. Her voice, a melodious testament to her devotion, often filled the church as she sang hymns of praise and worship.
Mary’s hands, always busy, found comfort in the rhythmic dance of crochet needles. She had a gift of communication and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation, her words always laced with kindness and understanding.
Mary Sanders was a faith-filled woman, her heart brimming with love for her family, her church, and her community. She was a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of love. Her life was a sermon, each day a verse of compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel. There will be a funeral service conducted for Mary on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Doug Duncan officiating. Funeral services will conclude in the Fillinger Cemetery in Pembroke, VA. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanders family.